New Southbound Policy Portal

President Tsai attends TRA40, AIT40 reception

President Tsai Ing-wen attended a reception marking the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and 40th anniversary of the American Institute in Taiwan April 15 in Taipei City.

The TRA, which represents a commitment to the shared values of freedom and democracy by the enduring partners, has helped make Taiwan an indispensable force for good, Tsai said.

At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, Taiwan is ready, willing and able to work with all like-minded partners in creating a secure and stable future for people to enjoy freedom of choice, the president added.

The event was also attended by a number of high-profile guests from home and abroad. These included AIT Chairman James Moriarty, AIT Director Brent Christensen, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, and senior members of Taiwan’s Cabinet and Legislature.

According to Tsai, despite increasing military activity by China in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding region, the country remains committed to ensuring peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

At the same time, the president said, the government is sparing no effort in turning Taiwan into a regional hub that connects Asia and the rest of the world. This will ensure the country remains a beacon of democracy and hope for those longing to be free, she added.

During his opening remarks, Ryan praised Taiwan as a democratic success story and said the U.S. could not ask for a better friend than Taiwan. Echoing this stance, Moriarty said the multidimensional enduring partnership has earned broad-based bipartisan support in the U.S., while Christensen said the TRA has benefited people in the U.S., Taiwan and elsewhere around the world. (SFC-E)